Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

The Delaware State Police would like to offer these pedestrian safety tips to help educate and encourage pedestrians to make smart and safe decisions when walking near roadways. By following these basic safety tips and laws it is our hope that no other pedestrians lose their lives.

Do not walk under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired walking is like impaired driving; it is illegal and can be deadly.

Teach children not to run into the street after balls or other toys, and don’t allow them to cross alone until you’ve practiced the basics with them.

Carry a flashlight or other reflective item when walking at night. It’s the law.

Do not step into a cross walk if it will create a hazard to motorists. When it is clear to cross, continue to watch for traffic while crossing the street until you have safely reached the other side.

Be sure to evaluate the distance and speed of oncoming traffic before you step out into the street to ensure that a vehicle has adequate distance in which to stop safely.

Use sidewalks. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far off the edge of the road as possible.

Do not risk crossing outside of a cross walk or intersection just because it’s more convenient, especially on high-speed roadways. Cars cannot stop in time for you.

Cross only at cross walks or intersections with signals or traffic signs. Look left, right, and left again. Only start to cross when it’s clear.

Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets and continue to watch out for traffic the entire time you are in the crosswalk. Your life may depend on it, regardless whether or not you have the right of way.

If your vehicle breaks down on an interstate or busy roadway, don’t leave your vehicle. Instead call #77 or 911 for assistance. Motorists can also call #77 to report a disabled vehicle they see on the roadways.

If you are driving, be on the lookout for pedestrians near the roadway.

We urge pedestrians and drivers to be more observant, cautious and safe.

Our Focus is in the areas where most of our recent crashes involving pedestrians occurred:

US 40 Pulaski Highway in the areas of Church Road and Walther Road, Newark

US 13 DuPont Parkway at the intersection of Llangollen Boulevard, New Castle

SR 1 Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, Smyrna

SR 2 Kirkwood Highway in the area of Limestone Road and Duncan Road Newport and Elsmere

US 13 Philadelphia Pike in the area of Washington Street and Harvey Road Bellefonte and Ardentown